Well said, Mike. I've seen and been around dogs at various fields through the years including Barkley, Lonnie, Lotto (Chris Moon's sidekick) and others most of you wouldn't know. All were well-behaved and a joy to be around. I have a Springer Spaniel that is a great dog but a little hyper by nature. I tried introducing her to the field environment when she was a pup (now 11 years old) and it was a disaster. Two traits you must have for a flying field dog is one that you don't have to watch constantly and one you're 100% sure won't purchase you a new airplane you weren't planning on by trampling someone else's plane. My Springer doesn't pass either of those tests. She's never trampled any of my planes at home but they're always up on a table. I wouldn't trust her not to if the plane was on the ground. When she's excited, there's little attention paid to anything in her way. In addition, her natural hunting instincts would have her following her nose to any smell that catches her attention. She's been obedience trained and is great on a leash. Off-leash is another matter and training she quickly forgot. I love her dearly, but she's just not a flying field dog.
Verne
ORIGINAL: mups53
Joe I have 3 dogs. Well Anna mostly does. I've been wanting to take them to the field for years. I'll be perfectly honest. Some dogs are more suited to it than others. Mine are not good in the type of environment we have at the field or contests. Their little brats. Now before anyone jumps on me I want to state this. My wife is heavily involved with a large no kill dog rescue organization. We have all the resourses in the world available to us and we are both lifetime owners of dogs. We use all the modern and conventional psycology methods. (ala Cesar Mellan) All that said not all dogs are the same. They have unique personality's. We totally love our 3 dogs but as I said before the field and them are not made for each other.
If I didn't have a wife who stays home I'd be stuck with the dogs and it would require me having to find a sitter for the contests.
Consider that carefully. Dogs are a lot of work. They require your full attention. I think the breed selection is huge. If you can research the types of personallity's the breeds have and look for the semi comatose ones.
Mine are a mix of Rat Terrier, Pug Pom, and Jack Russell. All are hyper breeds. Nuff said. All rescue's.
Dogs are a huge part of my wife's and my life. We adore them and treasure them.
I wish you all the luck in the world, Mike